Oral cancer includes cancers affecting the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat, sinuses and hard or soft palate. Detecting suspicious changes early can significantly improve treatment outcomes, which makes regular screening an important part of preventive dental care.
Why Receive an Oral Cancer Screening?
Your oral health and overall wellbeing are closely connected. Our dentists include an oral cancer screening during routine dental examinations to look for tissue changes and other abnormalities that may require further evaluation.
A screening is quick and noninvasive. It does not diagnose cancer, but it helps identify areas that should be monitored or referred to an appropriate medical specialist.
Signs of Oral Cancer
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice symptoms such as:
- A mouth, face or neck sore that does not heal within two weeks
- Red, white or speckled patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding, numbness or pain
- An unusual lump, bump or rough area
- A persistent sore throat or sensation of something in the throat
- Difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing
- Unexplained ear pain
- A change in the way teeth or dentures fit together
Many of these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but prompt evaluation is important.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening
Call 281-666-9912 to schedule an examination with Dr. Olagoke Masha or Dr. Jennifer Ogbuehi.
